Editing Samoa (section)

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Samoa}}
[[File:Central Bank of Samoa (2009).jpg|thumb|[[Central Bank of Samoa]]]]
[[File:Samoa electricity production.svg|thumb|Samoa electricity production by source]]
[[File:Colocasia esculenta dsc07801.jpg|thumb|[[Taro]], a root crop, traditionally was Samoa's largest export, generating more than half of all export revenue in 1993. A fungal blight devastated the plants, and in each year since 1994 taro exports have accounted for less than 1% of export revenue.]]

The [[United Nations]] has classified Samoa as an [[developing country|economically developing country]] since 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/ldcportal/samoa-graduates-from-the-ldc-category/ |title=Samoa graduates from the LDC category |publisher=United Nations Committee for Development Policy |date=8 January 2014 |access-date=11 March 2018 |archive-date=12 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312160258/https://www.un.org/ldcportal/samoa-graduates-from-the-ldc-category/ |url-status=live }}</ref> {{As of |2017}} Samoa's gross domestic product in [[purchasing-power parity]] was estimated at $1.13 billion [[United States dollar|U.S. dollars]], ranking the country 204th in the world. The [[tertiary sector of the economy|services sector]] accounted for 66% of GDP, followed by [[Industrial sector|industry]] and [[agriculture]] at 23.6% and 10.4% respectively.<ref name="CIASamoa">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/samoa/ |title=Samoa |access-date=11 March 2018 |publisher=Central Intelligence Agency |work=CIA World Factbook |archive-date=28 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028124346/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/samoa/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For the same year, the Samoan [[workforce|labour force]] was estimated at 50,700.<ref name="CIASamoa"/>

The [[Central Bank of Samoa]] issues and regulates Samoa's currency, the [[Samoan tala|Samoan tālā]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbs.gov.ws/about/intro/index.html |title=Introduction |work=Central Bank of Samoa website |access-date=19 November 2010 |archive-date=6 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206040241/http://www.cbs.gov.ws/about/intro/index.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The economy of Samoa has traditionally depended on agriculture and fishing at the local level. In modern times, [[development aid]], private family [[remittances from overseas]], and agricultural exports have become key factors in the nation's economy. Agriculture employs two-thirds of the labour force and furnishes 90% of exports, featuring [[coconut]] cream, [[coconut oil]], [[noni]] (juice of the ''nonu'' fruit, as it is known in Samoan), and [[copra]].<ref name=cia/>

Sixty percent of Samoa's electricity comes from renewable [[hydroelectricity|hydro]], solar, and wind sources, with the remainder produced by diesel generators. The Electric Power Corporation set a goal of [[100% renewable energy]] by 2021.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/358097/samoa-making-progress-on-renewable-energy-goal |title=Samoa making progress on renewable energy goal |date=24 May 2018 |work=[[Radio New Zealand]] |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en-nz |archive-date=31 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731115259/http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/358097/samoa-making-progress-on-renewable-energy-goal |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Agriculture===
In the period before German colonisation (from the late 19th century), Samoa produced mostly copra. German merchants and settlers were active in introducing large-scale [[plantation]] operations and in developing new industries, notably cocoa beans and rubber, relying on imported labourers from [[China]] and [[Melanesia]]. When the value of [[natural rubber]] fell drastically, about the end of the Great War ([[World War I]]) in 1918, the New Zealand government encouraged the production of bananas, for which there is a large market in [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/WSM/en |title=FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture - Country Profile |access-date=14 November 2021 |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114063621/https://www.fao.org/fishery/facp/WSM/en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Because of variations in altitude, Samoa can cultivate a large range of tropical and subtropical crops. Land is not generally available to outside interests. Of the total land area of {{cvt|2,934|km2|acre|}}, about 24.4% is in permanent crops and another 21.2% is arable. About 4.4% is Western Samoan Trust Estates Corporation (WSTEC).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.samoaland.gov.ws/about-us/ |title=About Us |website=samoaland.gov.ws |access-date=9 December 2021 |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114075238/https://www.samoaland.gov.ws/about-us/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The staple products of Samoa are copra (dried coconut meat), [[cocoa bean]]s (for chocolate), rubber, and bananas.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Twining-Ward |first1=Louise |last2=Butler |first2=Richard |date=2002 |title=Implementing STD on a small island: Development and use of sustainable tourism development indicators in Samoa |journal=Journal of Sustainable Tourism |volume=10 |issue=5 |pages=363–387 |doi=10.1080/09669580208667174 |bibcode=2002JSusT..10..363T |s2cid=154442062}}</ref> The annual production of both bananas and copra has been{{when|date=May 2021}} in the range of {{convert|13,000-15,000|tonne}}. If the [[Oryctes rhinoceros|coconut rhinoceros beetle]] in Samoa were eradicated, Samoa could produce in excess of {{convert|40,000|tonne}} of copra. Samoan cocoa beans are of very high quality and are used in fine New Zealand chocolates. Most are [[Criollo (cocoa bean)|Criollo]]-Forastero hybrids. Coffee grows well, but production has been uneven. WESTEC is the biggest coffee producer.

Other agricultural industries have proven less successful. [[Sugarcane]] production was originally established by Germans in the early 20th century. Old train tracks for transporting cane can be seen at some plantations east of [[Apia]]. [[Pineapple]]s grow well in Samoa, but have not moved beyond local consumption to become a major export.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pacificfarmers.com/pineapples-in-paradise/ |title=Pineapples in Paradise |website=pacificfarmers.com |date=6 February 2019 |access-date=9 December 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421012216/https://pacificfarmers.com/pineapples-in-paradise/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://asiapacificfarmersforum.net/samoa-pifon-pineapples-in-paradise/ |title=Samoa: Pineapples in Paradise |website=asiapacificfarmersforum.net |date=12 October 2018 |access-date=9 December 2021 |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114060730/https://asiapacificfarmersforum.net/samoa-pifon-pineapples-in-paradise/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Transport===
Samoa's transportation infrastructure effectively connects its two main islands, [[Upolu]] and [[Savaiʻi|Savai'i]], and facilitates travel to and from neighboring regions.

==== Air travel ====
[[Faleolo International Airport]], located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of the capital [[Apia]] on Upolu Island, serves as Samoa's primary gateway for international flights. The airport is managed by the [[Airport authority|Airports Authority]] and handles flights from various international carriers.

==== Inter-island ferries ====
The [[Samoa Shipping Corporation]], established in 1974, operates regular ferry services between Upolu and Savai'i islands.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Designs |first=Capital |title=Samoa Shipping Corporation • Ministry for Public Enterprises |url=https://www.mpe.gov.ws/links/public-bodies/trading/samoa-shipping-corporation/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Ministry for Public Enterprises |language=en-US}}</ref> The main ferry route connects [[Mulifanua|Mulifanua Wharf]] on Upolu with [[Salelologa|Salelologa Wharf]] on Savai'i, with a crossing time of approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Ferries operate daily, providing both passenger and vehicle transport services. The corporation also offers services to neighboring territories, including [[American Samoa]] and [[Tokelau]].<ref name=":3">{{cite web | url=https://www.samoa.travel/plan-book/getting-around-samoa/ferry-information/ | title=Catching the Ferry &#124; Samoa Plan and Book &#124; Pacific Island }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=SAMOA WHARF PROJECT BRINGS PROMISE OF TRADE {{!}} Pacific Islands Report |url=http://www.pireport.org/articles/2008/07/10/samoa-wharf-project-brings-promise-trade |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919054522/http://www.pireport.org/articles/2008/07/10/samoa-wharf-project-brings-promise-trade |archive-date=19 September 2021 |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.pireport.org |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Public transportation ====
Public transportation within Samoa primarily consists of buses and taxis. Buses are a popular mode of travel, with terminals located in Apia behind the [[Fugalei|Fugalei Food Market]] and in Savalalo next to the Fish Market. On Savai'i, bus terminals are situated at the market and main wharf in [[Salelologa]]. Fares are generally affordable, with the most one should expect to pay being SAT$12 per person.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Taking a Bus {{!}} Samoa {{!}} Transport {{!}} Pacific Island Holiday |url=https://www.samoa.travel/plan-book/getting-around-samoa/taking-a-bus/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.samoa.travel |language=en}}</ref> Taxis are readily available and can be hired for both short trips and day-long excursions. Renting a scooter is another option, offering flexibility to explore at one's own pace; however, wearing helmets is mandatory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transport Options {{!}} Getting Around Samoa {{!}} Samoa Tourism |url=https://www.samoa.travel/plan-book/getting-around-samoa/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.samoa.travel |language=en}}</ref>

==== Road infrastructure ====
Samoa's road network consists mainly of paved highways connecting key towns and villages on both Upolu and Savai'i islands. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, a practice adopted in 2009 to align with neighboring countries.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-08-05 |title=BBC News - Samoa switches to driving on left |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8243110.stm |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=web.archive.org |archive-date=5 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805202826/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8243110.stm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> The roads are generally well-maintained, facilitating efficient travel across the islands.

==== Ports ====
The main port in Apia serves as the primary hub for international shipping, handling containerized cargo and fuel shipments. The port also accommodates ferries traveling to American Samoa and other [[List of islands in the Pacific Ocean|Pacific islands]]. Additional ports, such as those in Salelologa on Savai'i, support inter-island ferry services and local maritime activities.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />

==== Cycling and walking ====
While less common, some visitors and locals opt for cycling or walking, especially in rural areas. However, due to limited infrastructure for non-motorized transport, these modes are less prevalent for long-distance travel.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biking in Samoa {{!}} Book Transport {{!}} Pacific Island Holiday |url=https://www.samoa.travel/plan-book/getting-around-samoa/biking/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=www.samoa.travel |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Samoa Travel & Cycling Information |url=https://www.social-cycles.com/samoa-holiday-cycling-information/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Social Cycles |language=en-AU}}</ref>